I won't tell you to get a Janome. But after I made a list of what I need(well want but need sounds better) and got to know my janome dealer, I bought a janome 1600 p-qc. My favorite feature is that it will NOT SEW when the foot is up. Really handy when quilting. I also bought an inexpensive Janome at Hancock fabrics and love it. This year I will be buying either a Janome 6600 or whatever the new one is coming out May 1.
I also have an 1952 Singer and a singer I bought at walmart years ago. I like them too. But my Janome's are a lot more quieter (is that a word?) than the newer singer.
Just my pennie's worth. Get what features you can afford.